Rupert Murdoch: Rupert Murdoch told the Leveson inquiry that he had failed to understand the full extent of illegalities at the News of the World, and ‘panicked’ when he shut it down. He claimed that he was a victim of the affair, as it had left a ‘serious blot’ on his reputation. (Scotsman page 6, C&A page 16, P&J page 12, Times page 1, Guardian page 1, Mail page 8, Sun page 10, Telegraph page 8)

Walker appeal: Bill Walker issued a statement that he would appeal his expulsion from the SNP following allegations of domestic abuse. (Scotsman page 9, C&A page 19, Telegraph page 7)

Cameron support for renewables: In his first comments on environmental issues for two years, David Cameron called renewable energy vital for the UK’s future, but warned that it must be financially sustainable. (Scotsman page 10, P&J page 10)

Centralised power: Labour MSP Sarah Boyack claimed that the SNP has centralised power and that local elections present a chance to express opinions about local government. She cited phone masts, wind farms and the single police force as examples of centralisation. (Scotsman page 14)

Weakening housing market: High end home sales (over £1 million) have fallen by 11 per cent since 2010, while Scotland’s total home sales fell by 6 per cent. (Scotsman page 17, C&A page 24)

Consumer debt: The national debt collection association Credit Services Union has released a report that unpaid consumer debt has increased by £6 billion in the last 6 months to £58 billion, or £1,000 for every person in the country. (Scotsman page 18)

Health

Gastric band operations: Doctors have called for more gastric band operations to prevent a “diabetes time-bomb” that could bankrupt the NHS. (Daily Record page 2)

Transport

Rail delays: Engineering work over the May bank holidays will mean that some trains between Edinburgh to London may be delayed by an hour. (Scotsman page 13)

Reform Scotland

Reform Scotland is a think tank which aims to inform and influence policy debate through robust research, the publication of reports and briefings and by arranging lectures and seminars. It is a charity, independent of any political party, and is funded by donations from individuals, charitable trusts and corporate organisations.